Last winter, the Alpena Downtown Development Authority hosted a competition that encouraged local artists to submit artwork to be featured on downtown banners that would be hung throughout the downtown district. Artists were able to submit up to three different designs that celebrated the wonder and magic of winter in downtown Alpena.

The Alpena DDA received 21 submissions, which were reviewed by the DDA Design and Beautification Committee. The committee selected four pieces of artwork from the following local artists:

∫ Derek Bromund

∫ Brooke Stevens

Courtesy Photo Banner art by Derek Bromund

∫ Sandra Neumann

∫ Makayla Grochowski

The banners were printed locally through Allegra Alpena and hung by the Alpena Department of Public Works. The banners can be viewed on the tall lampposts along Chisholm Street and 2nd Avenue and will remain up through the winter season.

“Many talented artists call Alpena home,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “We wanted to give them the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind artwork to showcase on our banners. We selected artwork that conveyed the magic of the season and would complement the other holiday decor we have downtown. This season, we hope people will bundle up, check out the artwork, and enjoy the wonder of the holiday season in downtown Alpena.”

For more information, contact the DDA Office by emailing downtownalpenami@gmail.com or calling 989-356-6422.

Courtesy Photo Banner art by Makayla Grochowski

Courtesy Photo Banner art by Sandra Neumann